Iran offers condolences to Pakistan over factory fires

Pakistani paramedics and rescuers beside the dead bodies of garment workers who were killed after fire erupted at a factory in Karachi on September 12, 2012.

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Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has offered condolences to the Pakistani government and nation over separate fire incidents at two factories in Pakistan that killed more than 310 workers.
In a message to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday, Ahmadinejad expressed his sincere condolences over the fatalities in the factory fires in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore and southern city of Karachi.
The Iranian chief executive also wished for a speedy recovery of those injured as well as prosperity for the Pakistani government and nation.
At least 314 people burnt to death in the blazes that broke out at a five-story garment factory in Baldia town in the port city of Karachi and a shoe factory in Lahore on Tuesday.
Karachi officials say people were trapped inside the building as the only entrance and exit to the structure was through its garage where the fire broke out.
Tariq Zaman, a government official in Lahore, said the fire in the city was caused by a faulty electricity generator.
Firefighters say the lack of proper escape routes contributed to the high death toll, as many people reportedly had to break through barred windows to escape the fire.
SF/HJL/MA